MacBook Neo hands-on: Apple's $599 laptop feels shockingly great
Source: Engadget
Overview
The most interesting product Apple announced this week was its cheapest and least powerful laptop, the MacBook Neo. It’s an affordable $599 laptop that sits between the premium ultraportable MacBook Air and the high‑performance MacBook Pro, targeting users who want a capable, low‑cost machine.
Design and Build
- Case: Colorful aluminum chassis that looks more attractive than the MacBook Air and Pro models.
- Weight: 2.7 lb (the same as the Air), making it easy to carry.
- Screen: 13‑inch display that appears decently vibrant at first glance.
- Ports: Two USB‑C ports, a headphone jack, and no MagSafe charging port.
- Keyboard: Feels a bit flimsy, reminiscent of older butterfly keyboards.
- Touchpad: Smooth and responsive but lacks the sturdiness of Apple’s higher‑end haptic touchpads.
Specifications
| Feature | Base Model ($599) | Upgrade ($699) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Chip | A18 Pro mobile chip | A18 Pro mobile chip |
| Touch ID | No | Yes |
Performance
The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro mobile chip, which is slower than the processors found in higher‑end MacBooks. Coupled with 8 GB of RAM, it should handle basic productivity tasks, but its long‑term performance may be limited for more demanding workloads.
Conclusion
For a $599 system, the MacBook Neo offers a premium look and feel, solid portability, and a decent display. However, the modest keyboard, lack of MagSafe, and limited performance due to the A18 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM may affect its appeal for power users.
This article originally appeared on Engadget.
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